Lambrusco

Lambrusco is the symbol of the Emilia region and of socialisation, and has been known since ancient times. "Spiced, fragrant, sparkling with golden bubbles", was how Pope Sixtus V's doctor described it in 1567 as he travelled through the Emilian Apennines between Reggio Emilia and Modena, the vine's historic terroir. However, its origins are even older and have been mentioned in the writings of Virgil, Cato, Varro and Pliny the Elder. Whether sweet or dry, sparkling or semi-sparkling, it originates from a group of wild black grapes that have the same characteristics as the wines they produce: low alcohol, fragrant, fresh and fizzy. There are five different types: Sorbara, Reggiano, Salamino, Grasparossa di Castelvetro and Mantovano, which is the only variant produced outside Emilia. Today more and more winemakers, heirs of ancient traditions and far from the big commercial productions, are rediscovering its origins, producing consistent and important Lambrusco wines, but always characterised by that drinkable lightness that has made them famous throughout the world. The pleasantness of its bubbles, however, is not limited to the pairing with sliced meats and fried gnocco, but lends itself to much more original and artistic uses, as evidenced by Luciano Pavarotti's sparkling toasts around the world, the corks flying into the sky at every victory of Enzo Ferrari's famous red car and the audacity of Luciano Ligabue's pairing with popcorn.